IGCSE Biology 5 Views 1 Answers
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SouravNovember 14, 2024

Investigate, using a suitable stain, the pathway of water through the above-ground parts of a plant

Investigate, using a suitable stain, the pathway of water through the above-ground parts of a plant

Sourav
SouravNovember 14, 2024

Answered step-by-step

To investigate the pathway of water through the above-ground parts of a plant using a suitable stain, you can follow a systematic approach that highlights the movement of water from the roots to the leaves. Here’s a detailed outline based on the search results:

Investigation Outline

  1. Objective:
    • To visualize and trace the pathway of water as it moves through the root hair cells, root cortex cells, xylem, and into the mesophyll cells of leaves.
  2. Materials Needed:
    • Fresh cut stems of a herbaceous plant (e.g., carnation or celery).
    • Food coloring or dye solutions (e.g., Brilliant Blue FCF or Toluidine Blue O).
    • Water.
    • Beakers or test tubes for dye solutions.
    • Razor blade or scalpel for cutting stems.
    • Clamp and ring stand for supporting stems.
    • Microscope for observing stained sections.
  3. Method:
    • Preparation:
      1. Cut the stem of a fresh herbaceous plant under water to prevent air from entering the xylem.
      2. Trim the cut end to expose fresh tissue.
    • Dye Uptake:
      1. Place the cut end of the stem into a beaker containing a dye solution. Ensure that only the cut end is submerged.
      2. Allow the dye to be absorbed through the xylem for a set period (e.g., 30 minutes to 1 hour). During this time, water containing dye will move up through the xylem due to transpiration pull and capillary action.
    • Observation:
      1. After sufficient time has passed, remove the stem from the dye solution and cut cross-sections of the stem at various heights using a razor blade.
      2. Observe these sections under a microscope to identify where the dye has moved within the xylem and other tissues.
  4. Expected Results:
    • The dye should be visible in the xylem vessels, indicating the pathway of water transport from roots through stems to leaves.
    • You may also observe some dye in mesophyll cells if you allow enough time for water to move into leaf tissues.
  5. Analysis:
    • Document and photograph stained sections to analyze how effectively water moves through different parts of the plant.
    • Discuss how factors such as transpiration rate, humidity, and temperature might influence dye uptake and movement.

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